Lowell Regional Wastewater Utility
Lower Highlands Sewer Separation Phase 3A
Modernizing sewer, stormwater, and water infrastructure in the Lower Highlands neighborhood.
Project Overview
The City of Lowell is launching the Lower Highlands Sewer Separation program, a major multiyear infrastructure initiative to improve sewer, stormwater, and water systems throughout the Lower Highlands neighborhood. This work supports state and federal requirements to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs), eliminate infiltration and inflow to the combined sewer system and improve local water quality. The project includes upgrades to aging sewer infrastructure that has been in operation for over a century and the upgrade and replacement of critical local water distribution systems.
Why This Project Matters
Much of Lowell currently uses combined sewer systems, where sewage and stormwater flow through the same pipes. Heavy rain can overwhelm the system, leading to street flooding, sewer backups, and polluted discharges into the Merrimack and Concord rivers as well as Beaver Brook. The City’s nine CSO outfalls release approximately 430 million gallons per year in a typical year. The project helps significantly reduce these impacts.
Staying Informed During Construction
The City will provide:
- Construction notices and neighborhood flyers
- Updates on the City website
- Periodic community meetings
Access for emergency services, buses, and medical transportation will be maintained whenever possible.
Residents and businesses will receive advance notice of sequencing and traffic impacts.
What Residents and Businesses Should Expect
- Work hours are typically 7 AM – 5 PM
- Temporary street closures and parking restrictions
- Periods of inactivity between utility stages
- Trench plating to maintain access during offhours
- Emergency access always maintained
- Residents will be notified of any temporary utility service interruption
Improvements/Benefits
Along with helping to create cleaner waterways and reduce flooding, the project will allow the City to:
- Replace or repair aging water, sewer, and gas infrastructure
- Rehabilitate sewer laterals
- Coordinate infrastructure work with planned roadway, park, and private development improvements
Together, these upgrades will help strengthen long-term resilience across the neighborhood.
Phase 3A includes:
- Approximately 21 acres of sewer separation
- 14,100 feet of new drainage pipe
- Sewer, water, and gas system upgrades
Together with Phases 3B and 3C, an expected reduction of 18 million gallons of combined sewer overflows per year and more than 1 million gallons of sanitary sewer overflows during a 5-year storm event
Funding
The City of Lowell is funding this project with support from a combination of state-subsidized loans, federal grants, and local wastewater enterprise funds that are aimed at reducing the impact on ratepayers.
Project News & Updates
Periodic updates will be shared via email, social media, and the project website.
These updates will include construction schedules, traffic changes, service disruptions, and weather-related announcements.
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to email alerts and follow the City of Lowell on social media to stay informed.
Project Location
The Phase 3A project area includes the Lower Saunders area and portions of Inland and School streets. Work includes installing 12–30-inch drainpipes and upgrading utilities along Queen St., Saunders St., Inland St., Fernald St., Spring Ave., Sawtelle Pl., and parts of Middlesex, Westford, and Grove Streets
Project Phasing and Timeline
Several utilities need to be replaced or rehabilitated. There may be periods of inactivity between the different utility work. The road will be restored and usable during these times.
Work sequence may look like this:
- Gas main relocation
- Sewer main replacement or rehabilitation
- Water main replacement
- New drainage pipes and connections
Phase 3A is the first project of a larger program, which will be phased across three areas through 2032.
(Green map area) Lower Saunders, School and Inland.
(Blue map area) Grand Area
(Purple map area) Pevey Area
We Need Your Help!
The City may request property inspections to identify roof gutter connections or other sources of inflow that allow clean water to enter the sewer system. Reducing this inflow helps prevent system overloads, reduce flooding, and protect local infrastructure.
Thank you for helping the City complete this important work. Please fill out the form below to get in touch with the project team, ask a question, or request more information about property inspections.
Lower Highlands Public Infrastructure Modernization Plan
Useful Links
More Resources
Contact
- 451 First Street Boulevard Lowell, Massachusetts - 01850
- sewer@lowellma.gov
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Project Hotline
000-000-0000 -
Sewer Dept Mainline (24/7)
978-674-4248 -
Water Dept Mainline (24/7)
978-674-4240